1. Senior Haran Kumar commits to Harvard University

As the end of the year approaches, seniors are starting to make final decisions about where they will continue their academic journeys in the fall. After weighing his options,  senior Haran Kumar will be attending Harvard University in fall 2018 .

“The main thing I am taking into consideration is the culture fit because ultimately, you go to college for the people. Having my home for the next four years match my personality is important,” Kumar said.  

Planning to study computer science and history, Kumar aspires to become a computer science professor.

“I’ve known since middle school that I wanted to do something in computer science. After an internship that I didn’t really like and a research opportunity that I did like, I realized by around sophomore year that industry was not the place for me, and that academia would be a better fit,” Kumar said.

Kumar stood out to computer science teacher Jason Townsend when he took AP Computer Science as a freshman.

“Many things make Haran exceptional, but one thing that stands out is his ability to learn on his own. Give him a book, video or online tutorial, and this kid can pick up anything,” Townsend said. “I think what makes Haran unique is that he combines superior intelligence with a laid-back personality and good sense of humor.”

Physics teacher Ellen Wilke, who taught Kumar in AP Physics I and II, as well as AP Physics C Mechanics and AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism, also noticed Kumar’s intelligence and love for the classroom.

“I could always count on him to ask great questions during class about the material we were studying, and his insight added interest to our class discussions,” Wilke said.

For Kumar, his chosen career path is driven by his passions, not his profit.

“I like the idea of doing research not for profit but for the benefit of humanity. I also love teaching. And tenure is cool, because it allows one to balance a vibrant professional career with life and family constraints,” Kumar said.

Kumar looks forward to attending Harvard not only to expand his education, but also because he feels it is a a great fit for his personal life.

“I felt a strong, consistent intellectual vibe: from the passion my tour guide had for his extracurriculars, to the exhibition about the cartography of alcohol in a random hallway of the library that I stumbled upon, to the insights students shared in the lecture I sat in on. Additionally, all the people I’ve met online in the Class of 2022 are incredibly smart, humble, and fun. I can’t wait to spend four years in such a cool place with such cool people. I think it’s a great fit for me,” Kumar said.